Flacks not Hacks

As local news staffs shrink and California State University tuition soars, the ranks of state-taxpayer-funded public relations people continue to burgeon. The latest example comes from San Diego State University, which is looking to hire a “Media Relations Specialist,” according to a recent online job posting. With monthly pay ranging from $2774 to $3334, the successful candidate will “Grow relationships with key reporter contacts; build knowledge of targeted media and identify upcoming editorial opportunities of interest to SDSU.” In addition, the new hire will handle “preparing, researching, writing and editing material for the media, campus community and the external community (e.g. donors, stakeholders, etc.).” The new PR person will also be expected to “Utilize social media platforms to promote campus news” and “Research, interview, write and edit articles and produce multimedia content as assigned.” There are, however, a few mundane aspects of the job: “The Media Relations Specialist will occasionally help set up events which may require lifting boxes of supplies, promotional items, chairs and tables. However, the employee will not be asked to lift anything over 50 pounds. The Media Relations Specialist will also be required to take photographs on occasion.”